Latest KFF Health News Stories
Polio Spread Reminds Us The Oral Vaccine Has Rare Risks
Media outlets report on how wild poliovirus is circulating because of a very rare circumstance where the disease can spread from oral vaccines that contain live versions of the disease. Reports detail the timeline of the New York case, and other polio-related news.
Abortion ‘Trigger’ Bans Set To Take Effect In Tennessee, Idaho, Texas
News outlets report on the stricter abortion laws that are about to be enacted in those states, barring judicial action.
Every State Has Reported At Least One Monkeypox Case
On Monday, Wyoming became the last of all 50 stares to report a case of the disease. The Hill reports men who have sex with men are seemingly taking advice on moderating their sexual habits. Other news outlets report on the vaccine rollout and California’s renaming of the disease.
Key Votes Will Help Shape Abortion Landscape In Florida, NY, Oklahoma
Abortion politics are expected to play a role in today’s primaries or special elections in Florida, Oklahoma and New York.
Fauci Leaving Federal Government Post In December
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease doctor and a chief adviser to President Joe Biden, will step down after decades of working for the federal government. “The idea of walking away from it obviously is bittersweet,” he told the AP.
Pfizer Asks FDA For Updated Covid Booster OK Ahead Of Clinical Trials
Pfizer’s new covid “bivalent” vaccine booster is reformulated to target the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. The drugmakers says that it submitted pre-clinical data on efficacy to the FDA and that clinical trials will start next month.
Another Reason To Exercise? It May Help Lower Covid Risks
A new study finds that people who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing covid or becoming seriously ill.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Wendy’s Withdraws Romaine Lettuce Amid E. Coli Outbreak
The recall affects only some Wendy’s restaurants and happened after an E. coli outbreak hospitalized at least 10 people. Separately, a study shows airborne exposure to “red tide” algal blooms may have neurological effects. Also: H1N2v flu, deaths linked to raw oysters, and more.
Opinion writers weigh in on vaccines, abortion rights, covid and monkeypox.
Editorial writers delve into these public health topics.
Amazon Trying to Expand Its Home Health Reach With Bid For Signify
Media outlets cover prospective buyers circling Signify Health Inc., a home health services provider. Amazon is a notable player, though it was said to be behind UnitedHealth’s bid. Other news covers hospitals seeking FEMA covid funding, and more.
Judge Says Georgia Can Impose Work Requirements For Medicaid
U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said the Biden administration’s revocation of a Trump-era rule limiting Medicaid access shouldn’t stand. Also: Stat reports on how North Carolina hospitals justify “thwarting” Medicaid expansion, amid other news.
Calls To Missouri Mental Health Centers Rise 30% After 988 Hotline Launch
State officials say more than 4,000 people called the state’s mental health crisis centers in the month after the national mental health line launched. Separately, North Carolina Health News reports “unsustainable” burdens on emergency rooms by people needing mental health support.
Kids Ages 12-17 Can Now Receive The Novavax Covid Vaccine
The two-dose series uses protein-based technology, not mRNA. Meanwhile, new omicron-specific mRNA booster shots will likely be available within the next three weeks, CNBC reports. In order to get them, you’ll have to have already received a primary series of shots.
Even Your Pets Can Get Covid Tests From LA Health Department
The Los Angeles county’s Department of Public Health is now offering free testing to pets who may have been exposed to covid. Other pandemic news includes the publishing of a new plan to protect students based on equity, first lady Jill Biden testing negative for covid, and more.
As Monkeypox Cases Double In LA, California Releases Isolation Guide
The rapid growth in Los Angeles county monkeypox cases happened over the last two weeks. California health officials are responding to the crisis by issuing guidance on isolation, including waiting 48 hours at home after symptoms fade. Other reports show the virus can linger on household surfaces.
Judge: Michigan’s 1931 Abortion Ban Can’t Be Enforced For Now
In a legal seesaw, county prosecutors in Michigan cannot currently file criminal charges against abortion providers while the preliminary injunction is in place. Abortion news is also reported from Idaho, Arizona, and other states.
Recount Affirms Kansas Abortion Vote As Campaign Donors Are Revealed
Fewer than 60 votes were changed in the recount of Kansas’ ballot initiative that would have removed abortion rights from the state’s constitution. Meanwhile, finance reports show that $22 million was donated to support or oppose the measure.
To Raise A Child In 2022, It Costs A Hair-Raising $310,605
That’s $80,000 more than the estimate released five years ago. The Brookings Institution analysis is based on a middle-income, two-parent, married family with two kids, and it doesn’t include the cost of college.